What Is RFSL?

RFSL - Riksförbundet för homosexuellas, bisexuellas och transpersoners rättigheter (RFSL—The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights) is a non-profit organization that works with and for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). It is non-partisan and not affiliated with any religious organization.

RFSL was founded in 1950 and is one of the world’s oldest LGBT organizations. It currently has approximately 4,000 members.

What are RFSL’s goals?

RFSL’s vision and ultimate goal is a society that is characterized by respect for and acceptance of people’s differences on such a sweeping scale that organizations such as RFSL are no longer necessary.

RFSL’s objective is that the same rights, opportunities and obligations will be applicable for LGBT people as they are for everyone else in society.

What does RFSL do?

RFSL works to improve the quality of life for LGBT people through political lobbying, information dissemination, and the organization of social and support activities. Internationally, RFSL works with the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and also collaborates with other LGBT organizations in neighboring countries.

The federation operates counseling centers for both women and men in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The counseling is intended for people who need to talk about coming out, sex, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, and relationships, as well as who need assistance in their contact with the authorities and healthcare institutions, or who require legal assistance with, for example, asylum and wills.

RFSL produces the Kom Ut (“Come Out”) magazine. In addition, the federation maintains three websites with general information as well as specific information regarding LGBT health issues and for LGBT crime victims.